Starlets to be allowed time off camp for club duty

Harambee Starlets coach Richard Kanyi instructs his charges during morning training session at Kasarani stadium on August 31, 2017. Starlets are preparing for the Cosafa tournament at Barbourfields Stadium in Mauritius in September. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com

Newly appointed Harambee Starlets Head Coach Richard Kanyi says he will release a number of his players from camp should they be beckoned over for club duty.

Kanyi said only those attached to various Kenyan Women Premier League clubs will be granted permission to leave as the rest remain at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani where they are holding their residential camp.

The Starlets will depart for Zimbabwe on September 12, a day before the 10-day COSAFA tournament kicks off in Bulawayo.

“I understand the women league is in session and many players are with the National team hence it will be difficult for the clubs to play. In this regard, I will only release those who play in the league.

“I feel we have prepared well for it and everyone is in good condition. What remains is only a matter of putting the final touches. We have been in camp since August 27, doing two sessions per day; one in the morning and another in the evening,” Kanyi told Citizen Digital.

Kenya has been placed in Pool B alongside Mauritius, Mozambique and Swaziland. The Starlets will face Mozambique in their first match on September 14 before taking on Mauritius and Swaziland on September 16 and 18.

The national women’s team is participating in the competition as an East African guest and will challenge for the trophy with 11 other teams including host nation Zimbabwe who are also the defending champions.

Competition for first team places is expected to be stiff especially in the goalkeeping department where Soccer Queens custodian Vivian Akinyi, Jane Achila of Oserian and Pauline Atieno battle to stand between the sticks.

Wendy Achieng’ has been handed the captain’s armband for the tournament that will be used as a build up for the forthcoming African women cup of nations (AWCON) qualifiers and 2017 CECAFA women tournament.